Checking in on the Detroit Lions’ Week 16 Thursday injury report, as they prepare to take on the Minnesota Vikings.
The Detroit Lions (10-4) and Minnesota Vikings (7-7) were back on the practice field on Thursday as they prepare to face off this Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. The Lions have been fortunate with their injuries this late in the season, and even though they have several players listed on this week’s report, their starters all appear to be in decent spots.
NOTE: Any changes from yesterday’s injury report will be bolded.
No practice on Thursday
- TE Brock Wright (hip)
- CB Jerry Jacobs (hamstring)
- C Frank Ragnow (toe/back/knee/rest) — Vet rest day
Wright and Jacobs were once again unable to practice on Thursday, and with soft tissue injuries to both players, this likely puts their availability for this Sunday in jeopardy. If Wright can’t go, look for James Mitchell to be promoted to TE2. If Jacobs can’t play, the Lions could keep a recently inactive corner like Chase Lucas or Steven Gilmore active.
Ragnow is back to having a rest day, and it’s well-earned.
Limited practice
- FB Jason Cabinda (knee) — evaluation days remaining: 20
- LB Derrick Barnes (shoulder)
- DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) — evaluation days remaining: 20
Barnes was limited once again on Thursday, but two practices—even limited—are a solid sign that he is in a good spot. Even if he gets in a limited practice on Friday, he still could be in play to see the field on Sunday.
Cabinda and Gardner-Johnson continue to work their way through the injury evaluation process. Both players remain eligible to return to the roster at any time and it’s possible we see one or both of them this weekend.
Full practice
- RT Penei Sewell (shoulder) — upgraded
- DT Levi Onwuzurike (knee) — upgraded
Sewell was upgraded to a full practice, all but assuring he will be available to play against the Vikings. Additionally, if we read between the lines a bit, the Lions just released Michael Schofield from the practice squad , leaving them with only three offensive tackles on the 53-man roster (Sewell, Taylor Decker, and Dan Skipper—who has played more guard than tackle recently) and a rookie (Connor Galvin) on the practice squad. If the Lions were overly concerned with Sewell’s availability, they likely wouldn’t have cut their veteran depth piece at tackle.
Onwuzurike also looks on track to play, but with his injury history, they may be a bit more cautious with him this week.
Vikings injury report
Here’s a look at the Vikings’ Thursday injury report (starters bolded):
Did not practice
- RB Alexander Mattison (ankle)
- WR Jalen Nailor (concussion)
- RT Brian O’Neill (ankle)
- DT Harrison Phillips (back)
- CB Byron Murphy Jr. (hamstring)
Limited
- DL Jonathan Bullard (ankle)
- DT Sheldon Day (ankle)
- EDGE Danielle Hunter (illness) — Upgraded from no practice Wednesday
Full
- LB Jordan Hicks (shin – IR)